HANDBOOK OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY

4 volumes

First edition: 403 + 432 + 425 + 408 pages, frontispieces, numerous black and white illustrations, tables and diagrams, half morocco with matching marbled boards, the corners are scuffed and the spines are starting to fray, titled gilt on the spines, a very good set.

Volume 1 Mechanics.
Volume 2 Optics
Volume 3 Electricity, Magnetism, and Acoustics
Volume 4 Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, and Heat.

Lardner, Dionysius (1793–1859), scientist and writer, was born 3 April 1793 in Dublin.He published several mathematical works, one of which, on the geometry of solids, was popular as a college textbook and frequently reprinted. He also gave a series of lectures in the RDS on the steam engine; they were the first popular account of the new technology, and the RDS awarded him a gold medal. The lectures were published in 1828, and appeared in several editions up to the 1840s. He also contributed articles on scientific and mathematical subjects to encyclopedias and reviews.

In 1827 Dionysius Lardner was appointed first professor of natural philosophy and astronomy in the newly founded London University (latterly University College, London), and moved to London in 1828.His pamphlets and lectures dealing with scientific topics in clear and accessible language were also of considerable importance; he was one of the first to support the work of Charles Babbage, who attempted to make a calculating machine, an early prototype of the computer.

His contributions to science were recognised by many institutions; he was FRS and FRS of Edinburgh, fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and MRIA, and Cambridge University awarded him the degree of LLD (1833). The adroit handling of complex currently fashionable topics characterised Lardner's work; his ambitious energy, enthusiasm for science, and graphic language helped make the technology of the day accessible for the first time to a mass readership. https://www.dib.ie/biography/lardner-dionysius-a4680